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Two Corfu Saints
The main two Corfu saints are Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu who saved the island four times from disaster, and Saint Theodora Augusta.
Saint Spyridon
Saint Spyridon is Corfu’s beloved patron saint. He is celebrated on feast days and venerated throughout the year. Corfiots pray to him in times of need, and half the men on the island are named Spiros in his honour.
Spyridon was born in the mountains of Cyprus around 260 AD. He spent his early years as a shepherd, married, and had a child. When his wife died, he dedicated his daughter to the Church and joined a monastery.
As a monk, Spyridon’s devout faith earned him great esteem. He became a bishop and took part in the Council of Nicea, which debated the doctrine of the Trinity. Spyridon gave a miraculous demonstration by throwing an earthen brick to the ground, where it spurted fire and water – three elements in one.
Spyridon performed many minor miracles until, in his nineties, he died in 350. When sweet odours began rising from his grave – some say it also sprouted red roses – his body was exhumed and found perfectly preserved, strengthening the legend of his holy powers.
See Our Page on the Church of Saint Spyridon
In the late 7th century Saracens invaded Cyprus and Spyridon’s remains were moved to Constantinople. Before the capital fell to the Turks in 1453, his relics and those of Saint Theodora Augusta were smuggled out by a wealthy priest who packed them in sacks, strapped them to a mule, and brought them to Corfu. Here the saint’s miraculous intervention saved the island from disaster no less than four times.
Some Cool Corfu Souvenirs
Paleokastritsa Luggage Tag
Corfu Cypresses Capri Leggings
Corfu T-shirt
Corfu Tote Bag
Saint Theodora Augusta
Saint Theodora Augusta, Corfu’s second beloved saint, was born in Asia Minor in the early 9th century and became the wife of the Emperor Theophilos.
At that time the Orthodox world was deeply divided over the issue of venerating icons. She re-established this practice at a ceremony at Ayia Sofia Cathedral in Constantinople (Istanbul) in 843 AD, for which she was made a saint after her death. She is celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, when her casket is paraded through the streets.
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Other Corfu Pages
A Lawrence Durrell Walk
This Lawrence Durrell walk takes you from Kaminaki Beach in northern Corfu to the White House in Kalami where the writer Lawrence Durrell lived for four year.
Southern Corfu Drive
This Southern Corfu drive starts and ends in Moraïtika, taking in hill villages, secluded beaches, lovely views, and a visit to Gardiki Castle.
Best Beaches on Corfu
The best beaches on Corfu, chosen by Greece Travel Secrets, include Paleokastritsa, Mirtiotissa, Sidari and Cape Asprokavos.
Corfu Shopping Tips
These Corfu shopping tips include advice on buying souvenirs like ceramics, jewelry, gold, silver, wood carvings, and food and drink, with tips on haggling.
Korission Lagoon
The Korission Lagoon on the west coast of Corfu is also called Lake Korission and has abundant wildlife, especially birds, and one of the best beaches on Corfu.
Corfu Food and Drink
Information for travelers on Corfu Food and Drink including restaurants and tavernas, Corfiot specialties, desserts, wine and other Greek drinks like ouzo.
Where to Stay in North-West and Central Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in north-west and central Corfu including luxury mansions, inexpensive rooms, and resort hotels.
Best Time to Visit Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Corfu, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Corfu Town’s Old Fortress
Corfu Town’s Old Fortress is the town’s most striking landmark, standing east of the Old Town on top of a rocky promontory.
Corfu’s Special Cuisine
Corfu’s special cuisine includes dishes like sofrito and pastitsade and the chance to try ginger beer and kumquats.
Kalámi
Kalami in north-west Corfu is a hidden gem which many people know about because writer Lawrence Durrell once lived here in The White House.
Corfu Offshore Islands
There are three islands off the northwest coast of Corfu, Erikouusa, Othoni and Mathraki, popular with day-trippers from resorts like Sidari.
Sidari
Sidari is a popular holiday resort on the north coast of Corfu with beaches and unusual rock formations as well as plenty of places to eat and to stay.
Where to Stay in Northern Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets picks where to stay in northern Corfu with budget and luxury hotels in Sidari, Daphnila Bay, Kontokali, Ipsos, Barbati and more.
Southern Corfu Beaches and Villages
This guide to southern Corfu’s beaches and villages includes busy resorts, quiet beach, hill villages and the southernmost tip of Corfu at Cape Asprókavos.
Northern Corfu
Northern Corfu is the most diverse part of the island, with Corfu's highest point, Mt Pantokrator, and beach resorts like Sidari and Palaiokastritsa.
Corfu Beer Festival
The First Corfu Beer Festival took place in Arillas in North West Corfu and celebrated the beer of Bavaria and of Corfu, in the Ionian islands of Greece.
Benítses
Benitses is a popular resort town south of Corfu Town with its own marina, remains of a Roman Baths, an old town, and plenty of walks inland.
Fun Facts about Corfu
These fun facts about Corfu include how the island got its name, who wrote the Greek National Anthem, and the eccentric Englishman, the Earl of Guilford.
Corfu
Corfu or Kerkyra is the main island in the Greek Ionian islands with Corfu Town being one of the most attractive of Greek island capitals.
Drive to Palaiokastrítsa
This drive to Palaiokastritsa starts at Corfu airport and takes you across the Ropa Plan and through hill villages before returning to Corfu Town.
Corfu Town
Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and of the Ionian Islands and has museums, two forts, several museums, churches, and many other attractions.
Where to Eat in Northern Corfu
This is the Greece Travel Secrets selection of where to eat in northern Corfu, from classy restaurants and traditional tavernas to beachside fish tavernas.
Corfu’s Marine Life
Corfu’s marine life includes dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and rare Mediterranean monk seals.
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